The early sixties offered a ton of musical films that offered teen idols in various roles. This was the time of Frankie and Annette at the beach, juvenile delinquents in hot rods and Elvis doing just about everything from working a carnival to being in the Army. All of them made tons of money and in the case of Elvis cemented him in mega league stardom.

This time around in KID GALAHAD Elvis is ex-G.I. Walter Gulik heading home who stops in the small town of Cream Valley, NY to visit. This was the town he was born in before he was raised by an aunt in KY after his parents passed away. Looking for work as a mechanic he’s told he might want to check in at Gaelic Gardens, a boxing camp run by Willy Grogan (Gig Young).

When he arrives looking for work he meets Dolly (Lola Albright), Willy’s long time love who helps him around the place hoping for the day they will marry. When Willy finally arrives he tells him he has nothing for him until he realizes he has no one to spar with a fighter on hand. Willy’s main trainer Lew (Charles Bronson) tells him this is murder but Walter needs to money so agrees. The surprise of all times happens as Walter appears to be getting beaten badly only to knock out his competition.

With dollar signs in his eyes Willy sees this as an opportunity and offers to train Walter. In need of money Walter agrees. But there is more to meet the eye in Willy. A terrible gambler he is in deep debt and on the edge of losing everything. In addition to that a mobster involved in the fight racket thinks he overheard a conversation that could land him behind bars. To make sure this doesn’t happen he sends two thugs to watch over Willy.

Helping to keep the camp afloat is Willy’s sister Rose (Joan Blackman) who sends him money. With his latest request she shows up herself to make sure things are running smoothly. Along the way she catches the eye of Walter and the two fall in love.

Walter begins to fight and does well for himself but you know a conflict is coming up. As the town rallies behind the home town boy, the mob wants to make sure their guy wins. They step in to let Willy know and now he’s faced with the options of disappointing everyone in his life or bowing before the mob.

The movie offers plenty of drama, a touch of romance for Elvis and plenty of songs for him to sing. That was the standard formula for most of the movies he made. A number of people would call his films, including this one, hokey but you know what? It works. It makes for an enjoyable film that doesn’t have to be taken seriously and can be watched over and over again. This is not high drama or Oscar material. This is pure fun.

And interesting to watch in the film is Bronson in a side role. For most of us growing up in the late sixties and into the seventies he was a major star in Hollywood. He’d done solid work up to this point but he shows here that he could actually act and wasn’t just a tough guy as he was later portrayed. Elvis too does a fine job here. The role doesn’t call for subtle nuance but he brings out the innocence of the character while at the same time shows him as one not to take guff from anyone. All in all the movie is just a good time to enjoy.

Twilight Time has brought the film to us in their usual well done style with a great looking transfer. Extras include the original theatrical trailer and an isolated score and effects track. As with all their titles the movie is limited to just 3,000 copies so if you’re an Elvis fan make sure to pick this one up before they’re no longer in stock.